Many NSW residents took the opportunity to explore their own state over the school holidays with over 10,000 people visiting the Parkes Radio Telescope.
Thousands of visitors streamed through our town during the school holidays as NSW residents explored more of their own state under current COVID restrictions.
The Parkes Radio Telescope Visitor’s Centre welcomed just over 10,000 visitors over the two weeks making it an extremely busy time. “These holidays felt a lot busier with so many families travelling,” said Tricia Trim, Visitor Centre Coordinator.
After being closed for three months earlier in the year, it was a pleasant surprise.
“Visitors came from all parts of NSW,” Tricia said. Owner of The Dish Café Craig Smith said he was really busy too with most people coming from Sydney, Wollongong and the Northern beaches. “Everyone I spoke to were excited about visiting the Central West and loving it!”
Tricia said they received some lovely comments about how beautiful it is out here. The Visitor’s Centre had to increase its daily staff numbers to ensure the safety of every visitor under current COVID regulations with social distancing in place, contact tracing, and hand sanitising. “In addition, we cleaned all contact surfaces,” said Tricia.
While the extra pressure, and a long queue of people waiting outside to enter, kept the staff on their toes every day, Tricia said: “It was really wonderful to be open again these holidays and to welcome so many first-time visitors to The Dish.”